HUGE crowds flocked to a sun-kissed 209th Otley Show.

The scorching weekend weather ensured a big turnout for this year’s event, the first of Yorkshire’s show season, on Saturday, May 19.

There were plenty of new attractions to impress visitors including camel racing, a vintage dairy wagon demonstration and a model boat display.

Those complemented the competitive class entries - 2,490 in total this year, with equestrian and cattle entries both up - that always form the heart of what is the oldest one-day agricultural show in the country.

Wharfedale Agricultural Society also laid on an array of other attractions including live music, games and giant inflatables, Punch and Judy shows, birds of prey displays and a farrier contest.

The summery conditions ensured that the many refreshment stalls, ice cream vans and beer tents, meanwhile, enjoyed bumper trade throughout the day.

Show Secretary Janet Raw said the fine weather was particularly welcome following a very wet winter and spring that had made life tough for the farming community.

She said: “We had a fabulous day, a great crowd and superb weather.

“Otley Show got the weather it deserves and it was made even better by the fact we had super week beforehand to set it all up and then good weather afterwards for the dismantling work.

“That makes everybody’s task so much easier.

“Given the long, wet winter we had it was great to see all the stockmen who came with really good quality entries - we do appreciate it and it was lovely to see the crowds around the cattle and the sheep.

“The camel racing, by Joseph’s Amazing Racing Camels, was also a great success and brought crowds right around the ring.

“All in all it was a great day - long, hot and very busy.

“I must thank all the stewards, ground staff and volunteers for all their hard work.”

Among those enjoying the entertainment was Otley Town Council Chair Ray Georgeon and his family.

He said: “Sunshine brought out the best of the Otley Show again and a huge crowd enjoyed the many and varied activities.

“My sons couldn’t persuade me onto the zip wire, but we did enjoy the camel racing!

“Thanks again to all the organisers and volunteers who make the show such a success, it is greatly appreciated by the town.”

Otley's MP Alex Sobel also had a good time. He said: "I was so pleased to attend the Otley Show.

"It was fantastic to meet with local groups including Print Crew Otley and the Chevin Socialites, as well as enjoy all the music, food and atmosphere that the town has to offer.

"Otley has a very proud tradition of community events and gatherings and I strongly encourage people from across Yorkshire to come next year."